Detroit Men Receive Significant Prison Sentences for West Virginia Drug Trafficking Operation

Two men from Detroit, Michigan, have been sentenced in federal court for their involvement in a drug trafficking ring that distributed fentanyl and methamphetamine in Harrison County, West Virginia. The sentences were announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey, marking a significant disruption of a criminal enterprise that sourced its illicit substances from Detroit and sold them in Shinnston.

Teran Demonde Gordon, 28, also known as “Mike,” was sentenced to 168 months, or 14 years, in prison. His conviction was for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute at least 50 grams of methamphetamine. Devaughn Lamont Thompson, 23, also known as “Trey,” received a sentence of 37 months in federal prison for his role in conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl. Both men were part of a group of at least six individuals who operated a drug distribution hub from a residence in Shinnston.

The investigation into this operation, which focused on the sale of highly dangerous drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine, was conducted by the Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, an initiative supported by the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program. These substances are particularly concerning due to their extreme lethality, with fentanyl being designated by President Donald Trump as a weapon of mass destruction owing to its potent nature and the grave threat it poses to public safety, even in minimal quantities. This case is part of a broader national effort by the Department of Justice known as Operation Take Back America, which aims to dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations, protect communities from violent crime, and address illegal immigration.

In addition to Gordon and Thompson, four other defendants have already been convicted for their participation in this drug trafficking conspiracy. Malik Fikes was previously sentenced to 78 months in prison in March 2026. The sentencing for the remaining three individuals involved in the operation is scheduled to take place later this year. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar, and Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided over the proceedings.

For residents of Harrison County and the surrounding areas, these sentences represent a decisive action against those who supplied deadly drugs to the community. The disruption of this operation is expected to have a positive impact on public safety by reducing the availability of fentanyl and methamphetamine, substances that have fueled addiction and violence. The efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Greater Harrison Drug Task Force underscore the ongoing commitment to combating drug trafficking and its devastating consequences.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of West Virginia

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